Newsflash – Visitor Visas extended for two months

19 February 2021

Newsflash – Visitor Visas extended for two months

The Minister for Immigration Kris Faafoi announced today, 19 February 2021 that holders of Visitor visas due to expire on or before 31 March 2021 will be automatically extended by a further two months.

This extension covers all Visitor Visa holders except those who are on the special Covid-19 short term visitor visa.

Also announced today is that the usual 9 months out of 18 – rule will be waived temporarily. So those applying for a new visitor visa in the next two months can get an exemption from that a further visitor visa can be issued – provided that they meet all other visitor visa requirements.

Ordinarily holders of Visitor Visas can only stay for 9 months out of every 18. Which means they would ordinarily have to leave New Zealand after nine months and not be eligible for a new visa until 9 months later.

What should be noted is that this two month visitor visa extension is much shorter than the previous six month extension announced in March 2020 or the five month extension announced in September 2020.

As the Minister warns: “While we have made these changes to help many visitors facing uncertain and worrying situations back in their home countries because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government wants to make clear that people who are here on visitor visas are here as guests for a limited time. We cannot guarantee further extensions or waivers when these changes expire”.

If you are on a Visitor Visa the visa extension for two months is a welcome relief – but this relief must not be squandered. You need to use this time to apply for a new work visa, student visa or visitor visa if you are planning to stay longer.

If you need to apply for a new visa of any kind, please contact Idesi Legal.